Asahi Pentax S3
The Asahi Pentax S3 is a 35mm single-lens reflex camera produced by Asahi Optical Co. in Japan in the early 1960s. It uses the M42 screw lens mount and has no built-in light meter, positioning it as a mid-range mechanical SLR in the Pentax S-series line when new.
At UK auction today, Asahi Pentax S3 hammer prices (wholesale saleroom results, before commission) typically fall in the £60–£150 range, with a median around £80 based on recent sales. Condition and whether a working prime lens is included drive most of the spread; body-only or cosmetically tired examples sell for £60, while cleaner outfits have fetched up to £150.
Sales History
Prices shown are realised prices — auction results and completed eBay sales, never asking prices. Most saleroom figures are hammer prices, before commission; some houses publish a premium-inclusive figure, and we do not adjust for condition. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher. How this figure is calculated.
Prices updated: July 2026
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| Jul 2026 | £32 | £32 | 🇬🇧 eBay | |
Title: Asahi Pentax S3 SLR 35mm Film Camera, Film Tested, Working
Description:
I have no way of checking the shutter speeds but theres visually no indication of any capping. The film negatives were regularly spaced and evenly exposed. The focus screen is clear and bright as is the mirror, the auto aperture works as do the flash ports. Location: Cirencester, United Kingdom |
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| May 2026 | £50 | £50 | 🇬🇧 eBay | |
Title: Asahi Pentax S3 35mm SLR camera body, Excellent+, working, M42 lens mount P39
Description:
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Asahi Pentax S3 35mm SLR camera body, Excellent+, working, M42 lens mount P39 at the best online prices at eBay UK! Free delivery for many products! Location: Shefford, United Kingdom |
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| Aug 2025 | £56 | £45 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 126) Title: An Asahi Pentax S3 35mm SLR Camera
Description:
silver, serial number 400405, body VG, shutter working, with an Auto-Takumar f/1.8 55mm lens, with an accessory prism mount Pentax Meter, and lens |
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| Mar 2025 | £60 | £60 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 65) Title: An Asahi Pentax S3 SLR Camera
Description:
An Asahi Pentax S3 SLR Camera, black, serial no 484899, shutter working, body G-VG, with Super Takumar 55mm f/2 lens, barrel G-VG, elements G-VG, |
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| Mar 2025 | £60 | £60 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 64) Title: An Asahi Pentax S3 SLR Camera
Description:
An Asahi Pentax S3 SLR Camera, black, serial no 352069, shutter working, body G-VG, slight wear, with Auto Takumar 55mm f/1.8 lens, barrel G, |
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| Mar 2023 | £150 | £120 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 236) Title: An Asahi Pentax S3 SLR Camera
Description:
1961, black, serial no. 297545, with Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar f/2.8 180mm lens, black, serial no. 4670135, body, G, shutter working, lens, G-VG, some |
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| Nov 2022 | £180 | £144 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica (Lot 149) Title: An Asahi Pentax S3 SLR Camera
Description:
1961, black, serial no. 297545, with Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar f/2.8 180mm lens, black, serial no. 4670135, body, G, shutter working, lens, G-VG, some |
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| Jun 2022 | £100 | £80 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 448) Title: An Asahi Pentax S3 35mm SLR Camera
Description:
black, body VG, shutter sticking, together with Asahi Opt. Co. Super-Takumar f/2 55mm lens, optics G, some haze & dust present, (Qty: 1) |
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| May 1998 | £46 | £40 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 216) Title: Pentax Spotmatic S3 no. 303710
Description:
Pentax Spotmatic S3 no. 303710 Estimate: £20 - £100 |
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| Jan 1998 | £69 | £60 | 🇬🇧 Christie's | |
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Auction: CAMERAS AND OPTICAL TOYS (Lot 265) Title: Pentax S3 no. 403251
Description:
Pentax S3 no. 403251 Estimate: £20 - £120 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is an Asahi Pentax S3 worth today?
Recent UK auction hammer prices for the Pentax S3 sit between £60 and £150, with a median near £80 depending on cosmetic condition and whether a lens is included.
How much does a Pentax S3 sell for at auction?
Most examples sell for £60–£100 at the hammer, with cleaner cased outfits occasionally reaching £150.
Does the Pentax S3 have a built-in light meter?
No — the S3 is an unmetered mechanical SLR, so an external meter or a metered prism accessory is needed for exposure readings.
What lens mount does the Pentax S3 use?
It uses the M42 screw mount, which means a wide range of period Takumar and third-party screw-mount lenses will fit.